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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 36

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 36

June 2, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Ethical Value: 
Moving
Ethical Value: 
Courage
Ethical Value: 
Hope
Ethical Value: 
Faith
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

"Why do we have to move? I don't want to adjust to a new place. I don't want to make new friends. Why now?" I ask. "I just made the select soccer team and I've finally made really good friends."

"Honey, I'm sorry that this is hard on you," my mom responds "They say that, 'When one door closes another door opens….' It will be hard to say goodbye to life here, but there are wonderful things awaiting you at our new home. There will be new friends and new experiences. You'll get to see what a different school is like and probably find a new team. It won't be exactly like here, but it can be just as good, maybe even better. Remember, 'When one door closes another door opens…' Try to think about the excitement of what's ahead, instead of just focusing on what you'll be leaving behind."

She's right. I need to be open and try to accept my new home and enjoy it for what it is. "When one door closes another door opens." It's OK to be sad, but I need to try to find the good as well. Yes, I'm leaving behind a place I love, but there are sure to be good things and good people were I'm heading to. Like they say: "When one door closes another opens."

Maxim

  • "When one door closes another door opens…."
    Alexander Graham Bell or Helen Keller

Character points

  • Optimism-I have a positive outlook and find the good in all situations.
  • Faith-I believe and trust in goodness.
  • Hope - I believe in the goodness of the future.
  • Strength - I am able to withstand difficult times; I may get disappointed, but I do not get overwhelmed.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • This week's story deals with moving. What are some other changes that might cause someone to feel nervous or unsure?
  • How can this maxim help you deal with other changes?
  • How can it help you deal with times that you feel worried about the future?
  • The maxim is actually part of a longer quote. The longer version is "When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." What do you think that means?
  • We all face times of disappointment. What kinds of things can be disappointing?
  • What help you feel better when you are faced with disappointment?
  • The longer version of the quote talks about how, a lot of times, we are so busy focusing on disappointments that we miss out on good things and new opportunities. Do you think a lot of people do that?
  • Tell the story of a time that something worked out differently than you planned, but ended up being even better.

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • Although this week's story deals specifically with a child moving, it can relate to your family even if you aren't facing that particular life change. Together, identify some of the other changes that members of your family are experiencing. Use this time as an opportunity to "check in" on how everyone is doing with the changes.
  • Reassure your children that change is normal and healthy, but be patient with their uncertainty and concerns.
  • Be aware of and understanding about your own feelings regarding change. If you are able to model for your children the ability to balance the need to honor your concerns and a sense of optimism, they will get to see perspective in action.
  • Be an example of hope and optimism. Practice looking for and finding the good even in the midst of unexpected, unpleasant, or disappointing situations.
  • As a family, create a list of traditions and things that are constant and will stand the test of time. Consider starting a new family tradition and together decide on its significance. Remind your children that your love for them is one thing that they can always count on!

Discussion starters

  • The narrator in today's story feels uncertain about his new home. What helps you when you feel uncertain?
  • Who do you go to for support when you are upset? How do they help you?
  • What are some ways that you can help others when they feel scared or uncertain?
  • What helps you when you feel scared? How do you overcome your fears?
  • Sometimes fear and worry makes a person feel very alone. What can we do, as a family, to help support each other?
  • How can we know when you need our help?
  • How can we know when you need space and don't want to talk about an issue?
  • This week's story describes the way that change can make a person feel nervous and sad. What are some changes that you are facing?
  • Is there anything about these changes that worries you? What about these changes makes you happy and excited?
  • This week's maxim is about realizing that, even when things are disappointing or upsetting, there is always something good that happens, too. Do you think that's true?
  • Can you think of any examples from your life that relate to that idea?

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

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